“Sometimes I worry about what path I should take in this world,” Jin confessed.
“Mm, I can understand that.”
Jin’s abilities were far too abnormal for the current era.
“I’ve opened up to a small circle of companions, but I wonder if things can truly stay that way as we move forward...”
“I see.”
No. 700672 fell silent upon hearing Jin’s admission. He remained lost in thought for a short while, and Jin waited patiently, allowing him time to process.
“I shall offer my counsel,” No. 700672 finally said about two minutes later. “First, speaking generally, a power that is too immense is fated to be either feared or worshiped.”
“...I suppose you’re right,” Jin nodded.
“Looking at it from another angle, one could say that people tend to lean upon such power far too readily.”
“Yes.”
“Applying that to you, Jin-dono, it seems unlikely you would be feared. Being relied upon is the most probable outcome.”
“...I can see that.”
No. 700672 continued to analyze Jin’s position.
“A likely scenario is that someone will emerge who attempts to claim world supremacy by trying to monopolize you.”
“Ah, I’d hate that.”
“Indeed. Furthermore, you will likely be sought out for every trivial matter that arises.”
“Yes.”
“That might not seem so bad on the surface, but it is. It would nip the buds of human ambition and stifle the natural progress of the world.”
The future No. 700672 painted was not a bright one.
“In an even worse case, people might compare themselves to you and be tormented by a sense of inferiority. If that happens, one cannot hope for healthy spiritual development among the people.”
“...”
“The conclusion is this: for the time being, your true power should remain hidden.”
“I figured it would come to that.”
No. 700672 nodded.
“Only after several generations—perhaps dozens—have passed, and the people’s level reaches yours through their own efforts or with only minimal assistance, should you finally reveal everything.”
“But that’s impossible during my lifetime, isn't it?”
No. 700672 gave a wry smile.
“That is true. Not only you, Jin-dono, but your descendants as well will likely have to keep up this charade for many years to come.”
“I see...”
Indeed, the human heart was a fragile thing.
If there’s someone with abilities far superior to one’s own, people can't help but rely on them, envy them, fear them, or feel jealous...
Jin recalled an old superhero show from overseas that he had watched at the orphanage. It was a story about a superhuman from another planet who solved numerous difficult cases. In that story, the protagonist also struggled to keep his true identity hidden from the world.
It’s the same thing.
As a child, Jin had thought that if the hero just came out and revealed he was the superhuman everyone was talking about, he wouldn't have to go through the trouble of hiding.
So, there really was a reason why those heroes had to hide who they were...
Jin found a strange sense of clarity in that unexpected moment.
“So, you’re saying I should interact with people as I am now, while keeping my true strength concealed?”
“Precisely. Though it will be a difficult path to walk.”
“...Thank you for the advice.”
If he looked at it that way, it meant maintaining the status quo. Once the trouble with Hale was resolved, things would likely get easier. Jin decided to look at it that way.
Then, No. 700672 spoke up again. “What do you intend to do with the captured base?”
“I’ve been wondering about that myself.”
“I understand the hesitation, but it is not good to leave it in limbo.”
“True...”
The group on Onogoro Island had said they didn't need it because they already had their original mobile base. They told Jin to do as he pleased with the craft.
“A megafloat with a two-kilometer diameter... I'm just not sure how to utilize it.”
It would be difficult to operate even at Hourai Island.
“It’s not like I can just hand it over to a specific nation, either...”
At that moment, an idea flashed in Jin’s mind.
“That’s it! A base for the Rescue Team!”
“Hmm? And what is this ‘Rescue Team’?” No. 700672 asked, unfamiliar with the term.
“Ah, sorry. To be precise, I’m thinking of calling it the World Security Guard...”
Jin, who had accidentally used a name reminiscent of the TV shows he’d watched as a child, corrected himself.
“...The World Security Guard. It’s a concept for an organization that recruits personnel from various nations to contribute to global peace, operating beyond borders.”
“I see. How intriguing. And you intend to use that base for them?”
“Yes.”
Jin had come up with a plan: Deus Ex Machina would claim to have discovered a set of ruins. He would then have various nations provide materials or funds for its restoration. Once repaired, the base would reside in international waters, belonging to no specific nation but contributing to the entire world.
“That may be a fine idea. I shall leave the specifics to your discretion, Jin-dono.”
Jin felt considerably more at ease, but there was one final concern.
“Lastly, what should be done about the problem with Hale?”
“Mm...”
Even the wise No. 700672 hesitated, acknowledging the complexity of the matter.
“I know nothing of Hale myself. There is far too little information to make a sound judgment. However, from your perspective, Jin-dono, confirmation of the situation is necessary.”
“I suppose so...”
If the entities on Hale required the resources of Ars, now that their vanguard had been repelled, there was a high probability they would retaliate. And that reaction would likely not be a friendly one.
“As for me, I would prefer that you avoid conflict if possible.”
From the perspective of No. 700672, who identified with the peaceful nature of the Progenitors, this was a natural stance.
“I really wonder what Hale is like...”
Jin himself did not wish for an interplanetary war.
“No matter how much we speculate, we lack the data. It might be best to make thorough preparations and then confirm the state of affairs on Hale.”
“...”
“There is no need for you to go yourself, Jin-dono. I must emphasize that.”
“I understand.”
“If possible, it would be wise to establish temporary relay bases along the way.”
No. 700672 recommended placing and operating Warp Gates or teleportation magic circles at those relay bases to serve as backups or evacuation points in case of an emergency.
“I see. That would certainly provide a lot of peace of mind.”
“Indeed. Also, you should seek advice from the brain of the Moon—Uni... I believe you named it ‘Jack’? It would be wise to consult him as well.”
No. 700672 concluded by saying that Jack, who possessed specialized knowledge regarding space, might be able to offer a different perspective.
“Thank you very much for everything.”
“Mm, it was a meaningful time.”
The meeting had yielded quite satisfactory results. Feeling relieved, Jin returned to Hourai Island.
“Well then, things are going to get busy again.”
Through the laboratory window, he could see the distant, eternal shimmer of the sea.